Peace and Pandemonium

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A Powwow with Ryan and Kalena

Last night I had a portrait session with Ryan and Kalena. It was like nothing I have ever done before. You see, Ryan is Sioux Indian. (The good indians in Dances With Wolves. Haha.) He and Kalena wanted to dress in their authentic costumes for the pictures. Not only did this add so much dimension and interest to these images but I also got to watch Ryan dance the way he would at a powwow. It was so cool. The bells on his feet and the movements of his body drew quite a bit of attention and many stopped to watch as he performed for the camera.

I felt that this old selenium processing worked really well with these photos but I also wanted to show the color in the costumes. While I was shooting them I kept having visuals of Sitting Bull flash through my head. I guess I tried to recreate something along those lines.

Before we get to the pictures I thought I would post this awesome quote. I hope you'll read it. :)

You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the power of the world always works in circles, and everything tries to be round. The sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind in its greatest power whirls. Birds make their nests in circles for theirs is the same religion as ours. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.-Black Elk Oglala Lakota

The second half of Ryan and Kalena's session will be posted later.

***If you are interested in having unique photos made just for you, please contact me at kehaddock@mac.com to schedule your own tailored session.***

Hey Kiera these are really great! That's neat that you know Ryan and Kalena. I danced/toured with them when I was at BYU. They are a wonderful couple. You seem to be quite an artist. I'll be sure to recommend you. Best wishes :)

WOW!I think you are in my ward! So everyone takes pictures these days. I hear Leah Wright does the same thing. What talent you guys have. I like the music you have on your blog also. Tends to fit with the photos you took.GREAT job!!!